That's hot.

I discovered what a simple idiot I am this weekend.

I had the chance to sit in on rehearsals for my friend's all-male production of Shakespeare. Just me, 20 guys, and Shakespearean comedy.

Apparently I looked like this the whole time:

My friend said he's never enjoyed watching an audience so much. Like I said, I'm a simple woman. I love theater, I love Shakespeare, and I love men.

The first two are pretty self-evident to anyone who knows what I do for a living. Love performance. Love verse. Love poetry.

The man factor was what I found so amusing. As you can imagine, an off-Broadway all-male production of Shakespeare is not hetero-central. Yet this production was a solid third straight, I'd wager. Even with that ratio of gay theater goodness, this rehearsal was still like a fraternity house. But not just any fraternity house; it was the best fraternity house ever. Where were these guys when I was trying to dodge KA? These guys were amazing. They made me remember why I adore the opposite sex. A few thoughts on why:

1. They are a goofy gender overall.
Without a doubt, this production was like summer camp. After a few minutes the boys forgot I was there and I started mouthing off and romping around and just having a hell of a good time. Complete joyous idiocy. Dirty jokes, clean jokes, Shakespeare jokes, and a lot of laughing at themselves in drag.

2. They can be irresistible when they try.
Watching the fellow play the female lead was just captivating. He had a charm that would be dangerous on the street or in a bar. But let him pretend to be a girl who's pretending to be a boy, and he's just perfect. I overheard him talking to the director about "how women are sometimes? you know?" and watched him try to be a woman while still being aware of his own attractiveness. His sincere efforts--in addition to his aside to me to "tell me when I start getting offensive!"--were spot-on.

3. They are sometimes like children.
The producer brought in huge packets of Big League Chew to help one scene when it's a total boy fest, and every single one of these guys went bonkers. "Oooh! Do you have grape?" asked one very straight, very grave looking fellow. Watching a bunch of very handsome, very talented fellows chomp Big League Chew while pondering the rationale for a particularly important scene was the cutest damn thing I've ever seen. It immediately made them boys again.

4. Damn those actors.
Never mind. This is really my own issue. Can't help it--it's the same thing with drummers and painters. I collect them.